How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Working with a qualified foundation repair company is important for accurately evaluating the damage and making the right repairs. We recommend focusing on these key factors.
Experience
Choose a well-established local provider with many years, ideally decades, of experience successfully handling all kinds of foundation repairs. These providers have specialized expertise using the latest methods and materials. Ask how long a company has served homes in your area.
Reputation
Looking through online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and requesting local references helps verify that a company regularly provides quality work and great customer service. Pay attention if you see numerous complaints about faulty repairs or poor service.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure any professional you hire has the appropriate licenses, bonds, and insurance for liability and workers' compensation. Across the state of Tennessee, contractors need to have a Prime (General) Contractor license from the Department of Commerce & Insurance for any project worth over $25,000. In Rutherford, Knox, Hamilton, Haywood, Bradley, Robertson, Davidson, Marion, and Shelby counties, contractors must also have a Home Improvement license for home improvement projects between $3,000 and $25,000. While the former requires an exam, the latter does not. Both types of license require proof of insurance. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Opt for a provider offering transferable coverage for 10+ years, ideally lifetime guarantees, to completely back its repair work. This exhibits belief in the quality and durability of the repairs and offers protection should problems develop later.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
While researching options for foundation repair providers, get detailed answers to questions such as:
- Can you provide a project scope and cost estimate in writing? Be sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
- What warranties do you provide? Reliable companies usually provide labor and materials warranties for at least 10 years.
- What options do you offer for financing? Providers often offer payment plans for larger foundation repairs.
- Realistically, how long will the repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What repair method would you recommend for this specific situation and why? Your provider may consider options such as wall anchors, carbon fiber, and steel piers. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- What foundation defects did you identify during inspection that may be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers a vague answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unnecessary work.
Taking time to vet foundation repair companies will help you identify the right one for you. Providers that can thoroughly answer these questions will likely deliver long-lasting, high-quality repairs. Swiftly fixing foundation issues helps prevent future structural damage.